Seismic details for exterior connections of post-tensioned flat slabs to steel columns using steel plates, vertical stiffeners and bolts

Abstract One of the commonly used structural systems in buildings worldwide includes flat slabs supported by steel columns. A key issue in these systems is ductility of the connection between slab and column. Common details for nonprestressed slabs to steel column joints are recommended by well-known references, but specific details for post-tensioned slabs are rarely reported. In this study, specific details have been proposed for connections of post-tensioned flat slabs to steel columns. The details include top and bottom steel plates, vertical stiffeners, and post-tensioned high-strength bolts. To examine the details, a half-scale specimen is subjected to reversed-cyclic loading with increasing amplitude. The test shows that the connection remains elastic up to a drift of 1%, exhibits stable nonlinear response up to a drift of 3.5%, and could tolerate relatively large lateral drifts up to 6% without losing gravity load capacity. The test also indicates that prestressing level, gravity shear force magnitude, and dimensions of horizontal steel plates are important factors that affect seismic behavior of the proposed connection.